Co-exist in peace
These are lantanas–a tough, sturdy flower that thrives in hot weather.
We’ve had plenty of that this year.
Latanas continue to grow throughout the summer and butterflies love them. Another VERY important attribute of a lantana?
Deer do not eat them.
I know that sounds strange, but I live on a farm. We try to peacefully co-exist with the wild animal population. We have deer, coyotes, foxes, rabbits, ground hogs, skunks, possum, raccoons, and numerous other members of God’s creation.
We try to live together in harmony.
But, I confess that I draw the line at spiders and snakes in the house (I’ve had both) but, I’ll let insects and reptiles live if they stay outside.
So why the lantanas? Our deer population loves flowers. They eat my pansies, lilies, hostas, azaleas, roses, and everything in our garden. We spray repellent and try numerous other non-lethal tactics to halt their goal of consuming every living plant we have.
Sometimes it works and we’re able to harvest some of our vegetables and enjoy a few of our flowers. Often, the deer eat everything.
Sometimes I need to change my strategies.
To co-exist with the deer in my yard, I try to plant flowers they don’t like.
I’m thankful that deer don’t (at least not yet) eat irises and peonies–two of my very favorite flowers. But, they completely decimate many other species.
So…I compromise.
I try to be more flexible.
I make adjustments to meet changes in circumstances.
These are some of the same strategies that are necessary to co-exist with family, friends, neighbors, and strangers…
We often need to compromise, show flexibility, and adapt to needs and personalities of others.
Just as these strategies work for us as we try to live in harmony with nature on our farm, they help me love my neighbor, too. I’ve listed two more suggestions below. Can you share actions that have helped you show your love for others?
We need to be careful in our communication with others.
Set a guard over my mouth, Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips. Psalm 141:3
We need to think about how our actions affect others.
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests, but each of you to the interest of others. Philippians 2:3
I’m sure you have other strategies that can encourage us get along peacefully with one another. I invite you to share in the comment section.
This past week, we’ve experienced two more horrific tragedies in our country. I pray you will join me in prayer for the victims of the families and prayer that we can love one another and peacefully co-exist as God intended us to do.
Yes, we must always have “Spiritual Awareness”, which is what I call the Holy Spirit’s version of situational awareness. Spiritual awareness is what prompts me to adapt how I say something to the audience I’m addressing. Often, my message doesn’t change, but God helps me tailor my delivery method so I can have the most impact on the audience. Thank you for this wonderful reminder to always seek peace. And yes, we need to pray for a heart change in our nation in light of all these recent catastrophes. God’s blessings ma’am.
I appreciate how you defined “situational awareness.” I think we tend to believe that “one size fits all”, but I agree wholeheartedly that we must consider both our audience and the situation as we communicate with others. Even our non-verbal communication is important and can vary greatly dependent upon our circumstances. Thanks for your prayers!
Katherine, you’re so right that we need to put a guard over our mouths and be mindful before we speak. I remind myself of that passage often, unfortunately sometimes it’s after the words have escaped.
Another thing I remind myself is that I should not expect people, who are not followers of Jesus, to believe the way I do or see things with a Christian worldview. This is also true of someone who is a babe in their Christian walk. By remembering this, I’m able to give more grace and am reminded to pray for these people.
Also, I love your comparison of coexisting with nature on your farm–great approach.
Thank you for sharing, Connie. I agree that sometimes we automatically expect others to have our same view and acceptance of the Christian faith. Thank you for reminding us that how we approach the budding Christian or the “not yet” person can have a tremendous impact as to how they view us and their decision to follow Jesus. And, since we are ambassadors for Jesus, our message (words and actions) is of vital importance as we share the Good News of Jesus.
Thank you for the reminder that it takes WORK to co-exist, if we are to do so peaceably, kindly, and in a Christlike manner.
Thank you, Julie. WORK is exactly the right description. Jesus didn’t promise us it would be easy, but the rewards of His love are infinite. Wishing you blessings on the journey.
How blessed you are to live among such wildlife! How I wish our country would adopt such strategies so we live in peace with each other.
Yes, I am blessed to live in the country, although I do complain about biting bugs! I’m hoping through prayer and living a loving example that we can make a difference.